Varied traditions, celebrations mark Gowri festival

The celebration of the Gowri festival on the eve of the Ganesha Chaturthi takes on varied forms in different parts of the taluk. For hundreds of years now, an idol of Deshada Gowramma is installed during the festival every year. While in most places a small idol of Gowri is installed beside a bigger Ganesha idol, in Rudranagudi, a huge Gowri takes the centre stage. In the month of Shravana, the women offer Deshada Gowramma bagina (consisting of saree, blouse, bangles, turmeric, kumkum and five kinds of grains) 

In Shettykere of the taluk, there is a special tradition where all the women go to the lake and collect the clay from bottom and use it to prepare the Gowri idol. The idol is then installed in the temple and prayers are offered. Brothers vow to protect their sisters and give them gifts.

Brahmin families consider their daughters to be goddess Gowri and give them the bagina along with fruits and flowers. According to senior citizen Sarvamangala, a resident of the town, the Maralugowramma  festival in Chowki mutt carries a special significance. Here, the festival is a celebration of goddesses Ganga and Gowri. Three women collect clay from the bottom of the well in the mutt and prepare the idol. Water from the well is collected and symbolises Ganga. Both Ganga and Gowri are installed with great fervour. Ganesha has no role to play on this occasion and Ganesha idols are not installed. Sisters exchange bagina on the day of the festival.

Apart from its religious significance, the Gowri festival hence serves as a celebration that strengthens the bonds between siblings.